Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device ( 1 ) having two wheels ( 2 ) removably located on opposing ends ( 7 ) and ( 8 ) of a rod ( 3 ), a tubular member ( 4 ) covering the rod ( 3 ) and a cushioning means ( 5 ) surrounding the tubular member ( 4 ). To use the exercise device of the present invention, a person holds an exercise device ( 1 ) in each hand and places the devices ( 1 ) on the ground. Then, the user rolls the devices ( 1 ) away from his or her body and rolls the devices ( 1 ) toward his or her body in a linear motion. Depending on which muscle and/or muscle group desired to be strengthened, the devices may be moved simultaneously or at differing intervals. In addition, the user may roll the devices ( 1 ) using his or her feet. Finally, the user may prefer not to roll the devices ( 1 ) at all, but rather use the devices as a base to push off of in order to strengthen a muscle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise devices, more particularly, an exercise device having two wheels and a handle that permits a person to not only target his or her core muscles while using two of the devices, but to also achieve a total body workout while using the devices.

The desire to lose weight and be in top physical shape is a popular goal among consumers. In fact, the desire is so great that Americans spend billions of dollars a year on diets, books, exercise equipment, gym memberships, etc., all in the hopes that this time, they will be able to lose the weight, keep it off and finally be healthy.

During recent years, the focus for optimal health shifted somewhat from aerobic and weight training and has become directed more and more to the “core muscles”, that is the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques and the erector spinae. It is believed that if a person targets his or her core by strength training these muscles, then he or she will have stronger abdominal muscles, reduced back pain and have an overall more fit and athletic look.

Although there are many different types of exercise equipment available for consumers to use that specifically targets the core muscles, such as weight machines, many of these devices are either too large or too expensive for a person to use in the privacy of his or own home. In addition, many exercise devices are often too heavy for a person to travel with.

In addition, although there are smaller, more lightweight exercise devices that focus on a person's core, such as stability balls (a large air-filled ball having a diameter of at least 55 centimeters) and ab wheels (a vertical wheel having hand grips extending from either side of the wheel), there are several drawbacks to using such devices. First, as both the stability ball and ab wheel requires the user to balance all of his or her weight on a single round object that rolls, many individuals feel as if they are going to fall when using the devices. Second, many individuals feel self-conscious when using the device as it is difficult to determine whether he or she is using the proper technique. Finally, some individuals with shoulder problems may find it difficult to position himself or herself such that his or her hands are in a forward, central direction, such as when using an ab wheel. Ultimately, if the person does indeed fall or injure himself or herself when using the exercise device, then the person will most likely never use the device again.

Thus, a need exists for a lightweight, easy to use exercise device that targets the core muscles while permitting the user to feel balanced during use.

The relevant prior art includes the following references: Patent No. (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor Issue/Publication Date 4,171,805 Abbott Oct. 23, 1979 3,134,590 Young May 26, 1964 2,821,394 Barbeau Jan. 28, 1958 5,222,930 Bold, Jr. Jun. 29, 1993 4,775,147 Bold, Jr. Oct. 4, 1988 6,629,913 Chen Oct. 7, 2003 3,809,393 Jones May 7, 1974 6,837,837 Nethery Jan. 4, 2005 2005/0209072 Sheron Sep. 22, 2005

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that permits a person to target his or her core muscles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is easy to use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is fun to use.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that may be used to strengthen a variety of muscle groups.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is lightweight.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that may be disassembled for easy portability.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing an exercise device having two wheels removably located on opposing ends of a rod, a tubular member covering the rod and a cushioning means surrounding the tubular member. To use the exercise device of the present invention, a person holds an exercise device in each hand and places the devices on the ground. Then, the user rolls the devices away from his or her body and rolls the devices toward his or her body in a linear motion. Depending on which muscle and/or muscle group desired to be strengthened, the devices may be moved simultaneously or at differing intervals. In addition, the user may roll the devices using his or her feet. Finally, the user may prefer not to roll the devices at all, but rather use the devices as a base to push off of in order to strengthen a muscle.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the exercise device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the elongated rod of the exercise device of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a first exercise using the exercise device of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a second exercise using the exercise device of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a third exercise using the exercise device of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a fourth exercise using the exercise device of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a fifth exercise using the exercise device of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a sixth exercise using the exercise device of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a seventh exercise using the exercise device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:

-   1. exercise device -   2. wheel -   3. rod -   4. tubular member -   5. cushioning means -   6. pin -   7. rod first end -   8. rod second end -   9. washer -   10. hole -   11. aperture -   12. end cap

With reference to FIG. 1, a front plan view of the exercise device of the present invention is shown. The exercise device 1 includes two wheels 2 and an elongated rod 3 having a first end 7 and a second end 8. The elongated rod 3 is fed through an aperture 11 in each wheel 2. The elongated rod 3 is housed within a tubular cover 4 wherein the tubular cover 4 is surrounded with a cushioning means 5. Thus, the wheels 2 are located between the tubular cover 4 and each end 7 and 8 of the rod 3. To keep the wheels 2 on the rod 3, a holding means, which is preferably a washer 9 and a pin 6 on each end, is used.

When the wheels 2 of the exercise device 1 are rotated, as when the exercise device 1 is in use, the tubular member 4 and cushioning means 5 remain in a static position. In this manner, a user may roll the exercise device 1 forward and backwards, side to side, without repositioning his or her hands on the cushioning means 5 each time the wheels 2 are rotated.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The holding means is preferably a pin 6 that is easily removable and is inserted through the elongated rod 3. A washer 9 is preferably located between the wheel 2 and the pin 6.

In FIG. 3, a side view of a second embodiment of an exercise device 1 of the present invention is shown. The holding means in the second embodiment is an end cap 12 that is secured onto the elongated rod ends 7 and 8.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the elongated rod of the exercise device of the present invention. The elongated rod 3 preferably includes a hole 10 located adjacent to the rod first end 7 and the rod second end 8 for the acceptance of a pin 6. Although the holding means is described and shown as a pin 6, the holding means could also include bolts, screws and any other type of securing means.

The wheels 2 are preferably made of a lightweight material, such as plastic, so as to permit a user to easily transport the exercise device 1 in a suitcase, gym bag, tote bag or any other carrying device. In addition, the wheels 2 are preferably removable from the rod 3 so as to permit a user to travel with the exercise device 1 using a minimal amount of storage room. The cushioning means 5 is preferably a foam material so as to provide a comfortable gripping area for the user.

Next, FIGS. 5A and 5B show a first exercise using the exercise device of the present invention. The first exercise shown is designed to provide traditional core strengthening of the abdominal muscles. To perform the first exercise, the user holds an exercise device 1 in each hand and positions himself or herself such that both knees and the exercise devices 1 are on the floor. Then, the user locks his or her arms and slowly rolls the exercises devices 1 simultaneously away from his or her body in a forward motion away from the body until the hands are beyond the head, but not permitting the body to touch the floor. The user then returns to the start position by pulling in with the abdominal muscles and arching the back, all the while keeping the arms straight and using the abdominal muscles.

Next, FIG. 6 shows a second exercise using the exercise device of the present invention, the second exercise targeting the external and internal obliques. To perform the second exercise, a user positions himself or herself similar to the starting position for the first exercise. However, rather than simultaneously rolling the exercise devices 1 in the right and left hands forward and backward, the user alternates the motions wherein the user rolls one exercise device 1 forward, for example, the exercise device 1 in the right hand, while the user rolls the other exercise device 1 backward, for example, the exercise device 1 in the left hand. The user alternates the motions to achieve an external and internal oblique workout.

FIGS. 7A and 71B show a third exercise using the exercise device of the present invention. The third exercise is indicative of how the exercise devices 1 of the present invention may be used to strengthen other muscles in the body and specifically focuses on the pectoral muscles. To begin, a user places his or her knees on the floor and positions an exercise device 1 on either side of his or her body. Then, he or she holds the exercise devices 1 and leans forward such that his or her chest is parallel to the floor. The user then rolls the exercise devices 1 away from and toward the body to strengthen the chest.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a fourth exercise using the exercise device of the present invention. The fourth exercise focuses on strengthening the triceps by having the user place the exercise devices 1 behind the user. Then, the user rolls the exercise devices 1 away from the body and then to the starting position.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a fifth exercise using the exercise device of the present invention. The fifth exercise is indicative of an exercise wherein the exercise devices 1 are used without having the user grip the exercise devices 1 with his or her hands. In the fifth exercise, which is geared towards strengthening the gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus, quadriceps and hamstrings, the user lays face up on the floor, pelvis elevated off of the floor, and places an exercise device 1 under each foot. Then, the user rolls the exercise devices 1 away from the body and rolls them back to the starting position.

FIG. 10 shows a sixth exercise using the exercise device of the present invention wherein the exercise devices 1 are not rolled during use. Rather, the user performs a traditional push up wherein the exercise devices 1 are perpendicular to the body and the hands are positioned on the exercise devices 1.

Finally, FIGS. 11A and 11B show a seventh exercise using the exercise device of the present invention. The seventh exercise shows a side push up wherein the exercise devices 1 are placed in a position parallel to the body and the hands are positioned on the exercise devices 1.

Although various exercises are shown using the present invention, other exercises may be utilized, such as rolling the exercise devices 1 in an arcing direction away from and towards the body.

The use of the present invention will permit a person to achieve a total body workout while using an exercise that is lightweight and portable.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

1. A exercise device comprising: an elongated rod having a first end and a second end; a first wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said first wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a second wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said second wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a tubular member surrounding said elongated rod and located between said first wheel and said second wheel; a means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and a means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein: said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end is via a pin.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein: said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via a pin.
 4. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein: said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via a pin.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: a first hole located on said rod first end.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: a second hole located on said rod second end.
 7. The exercise device of claim 5 further comprising: a second hole located on said rod second end.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: a cushion means surrounding said tubular member.
 9. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: a first washer located between said first wheel and said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and a second washer located between said second wheel and said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein: said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end is via an end cap.
 11. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein: said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via an end cap.
 12. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein: said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via an end cap.
 13. The exercise device of claim 12 further comprising: a first washer located between said first wheel and said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and a second washer located between said second wheel and said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
 14. An exercise device comprising: an elongated rod having a first end and a second end; a first wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said first wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a second wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said second wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a tubular member surrounding said elongated rod and located between said first wheel and said second wheel; a means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end is via a pin; a means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end; said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via a pin; a first hole located on said rod first end; a second hole located on said rod second end; a cushion means surrounding said tubular member; a first washer located between said first wheel and said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and a second washer located between said second wheel and said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
 15. A method for using an exercise device comprising an elongated rod having a first end and a second end; a first wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said first wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a second wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said second wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a tubular member surrounding said elongated rod and located between said first wheel and said second wheel; a means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and a means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end, said method comprising the steps of: a. holding an exercise device in a right hand; b. holding an exercise device in a left hand; c. placing the exercise devices on a floor; and d. rolling the exercise devices away from a body.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising a step after step d of: rolling the exercise devices towards the body. 